True Wisdom: Listening to the Words Jesus Spoke

     By A.W. Tozer

     Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this,
     said; This is an hard saying, who can hear it?
     John 6:60

        In the world of men we find nothing approaching the
     virtues of which Jesus spoke in the opening words of the
     famous Sermon on the Mount.  Instead of poverty of
     spirit we find the rankest kind of pride; instead of
     meekness -- arrogance; instead of mourners, we find pleasure
     seekers; instead of hunger after righteousness, we hear men
     saying, "I am rich and increased with goods and have need of
     nothing"; instead of mercy, we find cruelty; instead of purity of
     heart, corrupt imaginings; instead of peacemakers, we find men
     quarrelsome and resentful; instead of rejoicing in mistreatment,
     we find them fighting back with every weapon at their command!

        Into a world like this the sound of Jesus' words comes
     wonderful and strange, a visitation from above.  It is well that He
     spoke, for no one else could have done it as well; and it is good
     that we listen, for His words are the essence of truth.

        Jesus does not offer an opinion, for He never uttered opinions.
     He never guessed; He knew, and He knows! His words are not
     as Solomon's were, the sum of sound wisdom or the results of
     keen observation.  He spoke out of the fullness of His Godhead,
     and His words are very Truth itself.  He is the only one who could
     say "blessed" with complete authority, for He is the Blessed One
     come from the world above to confer blessedness upon mankind!

        Best of all. His words were supported by deeds mightier than any
     performed on this earth by another man.

        It is wisdom for us to listen!

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     Yours in Christ,
     Paul N. F.